Under Construction: barleymash Preview

For all things barley (think beer and bread), barleymash joins the rush of new downtown restaurants.

Slated to open this spring, barleymash is currently undergoing the construction necessary to take on the dining and nightlife scene. Located on the corner of Fifth and Market in the former Whiskey Girl space, barleymash is the newest project from The Verant Group, whose past success includes Sandbar, West Coast Tavern, True North, Tavern at the Beach, Offshore Tavern and Brewley’s Pint.

The traditional American restaurant anchored by bar fare and craft cocktails will hold on to casual vibes during the day and transition to a home of live entertainment and nightlife in the evenings. While specifics are still in the works, we have a first-glance of what Executive Chef Kevin Templeton is cooking up.

The Food: On the appetizer list, Stout Roasted Mussels will be poking up, along with Double-Roasted Chicken Wings and Barley Pretzels with housemade barley dough, beer mustard, and spicy cheddar whip, likely to be a restaurant fav. Salads will take on some local greens topped off in creative ways such as the Caged Ceasar with baby romaine leaves, citrus-tequila caesar dressing, garlic barley croutons, and an oversized parmesan griddle cage.

Distinctive to the restaurant will be the BarleyPie made with ale-infused dough brushed with garlic oil and topped with a few savory choices. Try the Salami Pie with rotating artisan salamis and pepperonis, red sauce and shaved garlic; the White Guy with caramelized onion, three cheeses, garlic cream, and fresh herbs; or the Spiced Shrimp Pie with peppers, onions, pickled okra, Cajun sauce and fresh herbs. Creative diners will also have the option to construct their own BarleyPie.

Special dinner nights to be held will include Roasted Chicken Night, Casserole Night, Gumbo Night, and Prime Rib Night. Expect some 8 oz. Knife Burgers on Housemade Barley Buns, too.

The Layout: Under all the current construction, barleymash is progressing to become the newest corner hot-spot at all hours of the day. Inside the two-story, expansive space will be three large community tables, two DJ booths, a dance floor and plenty of other table and booth seating throughout. The central focus? A square bar featuring 30 beers on tap, where guests can sit on all four sides to sip, mingle, or watch the game. TVs strategically placed around the space will show all the sports and balance out the large windows welcoming in the light from Fifth and Market. At a second, side bar, cocktail-connoisseurs can order specialty craft drinks.

For more  intimacy, guests will meander downstairs where gingers offers an exclusive, loungy feel spotlighting a martini bar and embellished by warm paintings and dark curtains. Small music acts will perform, as guests indulge in a more secretive and seductive side to the barleymash experience.

The Chef: Chef Templeton was formerly the Executive Sous Chef of Azul La Jolla, and later at Offshore Tavern. His passion for local purveyors grew during this time, as he focused on working with meats that are all-natural and seafood that is sustainable. Templeton will now be working with Consulting Chef Matt Gordon.

barleymash is located at 600 Fifth Avenue. For more information, visit barleymash.com or call 877.327.0238.

Stay tuned for updates on the menu, the design, and everything barley in our San Diego restaurant blog